Minsk / Минск is home to my Belarussian-family I've known since the age of 5. I've first visited their country in 2003, the next in 2012. One thing that you can't miss, no matter where you go, is the Belarussian hospitality. I've heard people say that they come forth as rude, the same as with the Russians and Germans - but my experience with all 3 cultures have been the opposite.
Their cathedrals, parks, sport centers, ice rink, squares, markets (where you can find anything from food to clothes) - you'll not be disappointed when visiting either.
My top 3 are the following:
Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of Belarus.
Belarussian State Circus.
Khatyn Memorial / XATbIHb (about 65km outside of Minsk).
Having the opportunity to travel with locals surely made it easier and more valuable in order to learn about their culture and everyday life. But these sites had made an exceptional mark on my perspective on life, as well as respect for their culture.
Both the ballet & circus were of top quality & class. My Belarussian-family were both principal ballerinas at the ballet, and as children they grew up with their parents being in the circus...which made it all the more exceptional. Our ballet & circuses we have in South Africa can't compare.
Khatyn Memorial / XATbIHb: An eary but eye-opening memorial. It was one of the few memorials that truly touched my heart... Especially how locals react and value when visiting the memorial themselves. I don't believe words could ever really describe it. Do go and read up on the memorial yourself as it beholds impressive history.
Hope to visit Minsk soon again - I'm missing your city dearly...
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